Sir David Suchet Returns to Television in New Thriller The Au Pair
Sir David Suchet, renowned for his iconic role as Agatha Christie’s master detective Hercule Poirot, is making a thrilling comeback to the small screen with the highly anticipated mini-series The Au Pair. After a six-year hiatus, the esteemed British actor will grace our screens again, this time on Channel 5, where he will share the spotlight with talented actors Sally Bretton and Kenny Doughty. This gripping drama is co-produced by the French company Pernel Media and the Irish production house MK1 Studios, in collaboration with ITV Studios.
In an interview with Radio Times, Suchet revealed that he was drawn back to acting for The Au Pair because it presented a compelling narrative that was “a real page-turner.” He expressed that while he received offers for other roles, they felt repetitive and lacked the challenge he seeks in his craft.
In this new show, Suchet will not be donning a detective’s hat; instead, he will be immersed in a drama riddled with secrets and unexpected twists, echoing the tension of his previous roles.
Plot Overview of The Au Pair
The Au Pair revolves around the life of Zoe Dalton, portrayed by Sally Bretton, who appears to have a perfect life. She is a talented seamstress with a thriving tailoring business, a loving husband named Chris (played by Kenny Doughty), two stepchildren, Amber and Noah, and a beautiful home nestled in a picturesque English town.
However, beneath this facade, turmoil brews as Zoe grapples with marital strains and the added pressure of her diabetic father, George (David Suchet), moving in next door. A single chaotic day escalates when a series of distressing incidents threaten both her father and stepson Noah, pushing Zoe to her limits. In a bid to regain control, she and Chris agree to hire an au pair.
This is where the enigmatic French au pair, Sandrine (Ludmilla Makowski), enters their lives. With her charm and mysterious demeanor, Sandrine quickly adapts to their household, but her arrival triggers subtle changes in family dynamics. As hidden agendas and concealed truths begin to surface, Zoe finds herself entangled in a dangerous web of intrigue.
Cast of The Au Pair
Sally Bretton as Zoe Dalton
Sally Bretton takes on the role of Zoe Dalton, a busy seamstress and a devoted stepmother. The 44-year-old British actress is well-known for her portrayal of Lucy Adams in the popular sitcom Not Going Out. Her impressive resume also includes roles as Kim Alabaster in Green Wing, Cat Durnford in Absolute Power, and Martha Lloyd in Death in Paradise, a role she has reprised in the spin-off series Beyond Paradise.
David Suchet as George
Sir David Suchet plays the role of Zoe’s father, George, who battles diabetes and has recently moved next door. The 78-year-old actor is celebrated for his portrayal of Hercule Poirot in the ITV adaptations of Agatha Christie’s novels. His extensive career includes notable performances as Edward Teller in Oppenheimer, Sigmund Freud in Freud, and Augustus Melmotte in The Way We Live Now. Suchet continues to engage audiences with his stage performances, including a recent residency at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London.
Ludmilla Makowski as Sandrine
Ludmilla Makowski stars as the captivating au pair, Sandrine, who disrupts the Daltons’ family life. The French actress and singer gained recognition for her role as young Claire Laurent in the Netflix series Lupin. She has also appeared in Bardot as Stephane and in the Netflix series Anthracite. In 2023, she showcased her talent on the French version of the singing competition The Voice.
Kenny Doughty as Chris Dalton
Kenny Doughty portrays Zoe’s husband, Dr. Chris Dalton, a successful paediatrician. The 49-year-old actor is best known for his role as Jake Harman in Coronation Street. He has also played Sean in the comedy-drama Stella and is famously known as DS Aiden Healy in the long-running series Vera. Doughty has also toured as Gaz in the stage adaptation of The Full Monty.
The supporting cast of The Au Pair includes:
- Margot Pue as Amber
- Riplye Barden as Noah
- Lesley Molony as Lydia (The Inside Man, The Bay)
- Ebimie Anthony as Raye Aboh (Storyland)
- Barry John Kinsella as Officer Holt (Video Nasty, Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale)
- Virginie Ledoyen as Marie (The Beach, Just the Two of Us)
- Vanessa Ifediora as Dr. Vaughan (A Haunting in Venice, Bloodlands)
- Natalie Britton as Susannah (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Quantum Leap)
- Louis Bernard as Fred Gastou (Unforgotten, Invasion)
- Clodagh Moriarty as Mother (Fair City, The Last Journey of the Vikings)
Filming Locations for The Au Pair
Set against the stunning backdrop of the English countryside, specifically the Cotswolds, The Au Pair was primarily filmed in Ireland. The production involved both French and Irish companies, with significant portions of the English countryside scenes being shot about an hour south of Dublin. Samuel Kissous, CEO of Pernel Media, noted in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that many viewers, including those from Britain, have been impressed by the show’s depiction of the Cotswolds, despite the filming taking place in Ireland.
Air Date and Episode Count for The Au Pair
The Au Pair is set to premiere on Channel 5 on Monday, March 10, at 9 PM. The series consists of four one-hour episodes, airing from Monday to Thursday, concluding on March 13. Additionally, the entire mini-series will be available for streaming on My5, allowing viewers to binge-watch this gripping drama at their convenience.
